F-1 Student Visa B-2 Tourist Visa Before Leaving Home

F-1 Student Visa
Your visa is an official stamp or permit in your passport that allows you to travel for a specific purpose. Your purpose for traveling to the United States is to study English - so you need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. You can obtain your visa from the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will need to show them your letter of acceptance from the Academy, your INS document, and a bank statement that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the United States. You will need to show that your can pay your tuition and fees, have a return airfare or a return ticket, and can cover your living expenses. You may also be asked to prove that you intend to return to your country after completing your studies. To apply for the INS document and Acceptance Letter, click here.



B-2 Tourist Visa
If you intend to study full time in the United States, we do not recommend applying for a B-2 tourist visa. If you are a tourist in the U.S. and wish to change your status, please contact us for more information.



Before Leaving Home

Before leaving for the United States, you should check to make sure you have your:

1.) Identity card
2.) Driver's license
3.) Copies of your birth certificate
4.) Copies of your citizenship certificate
5.) Official copies of your educational records such as transcripts or diplomas if you intend to apply to colleges or universities for admittance.

Some U.S. Embassies require a medical clearance before they issue you a visa - so you may want to get a medical checkup before you go to the embassy.

Remember to bring some warm clothes. San Francisco does get cold in winter and even summer nights can get chilly. You will need a good sweater and jacket if you come during the winter months.